What This Book Is About
It is 1975, and ten-year-old Hà loves her papaya tree, her friends, and her bustling life in Saigon. But the Vietnam War is closing in, and when the city falls, Hà and her family are forced to flee on a navy ship crowded with desperate refugees. They end up in Alabama, a place where nothing makes sense—the food is strange, the language is impossible, and the kids at school are cruel. Hà's world has been turned completely inside out.
Told entirely in verse—short, spare poems that read like snapshots of memory—this Newbery Honor and National Book Award-winning novel captures the confusion, grief, and quiet courage of a child caught between two worlds. Thanhha Lai drew from her own experience as a Vietnamese refugee, and every poem pulses with authenticity. From the taste of a papaya picked too soon to the sting of a classmate's taunt, Hà's voice is sharp, funny, and achingly real. It is a book that stays with you long after the last page.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
In a school where students arrive from dozens of countries—many having experienced relocation themselves—Inside Out & Back Again speaks directly to the immigrant experience. The verse format is especially powerful for younger English learners: each poem is short enough to feel achievable, yet rich enough to build vocabulary and emotional literacy. For Grade 4 students at UWCSEA, many of whom are navigating cultural transitions of their own, Hà's story is a mirror and a bridge.
The book also aligns with UWC's core values of international-mindedness and empathy. It shows students that displacement is not just a historical event but a deeply personal experience, encouraging them to listen to the stories of classmates whose families have crossed borders. In multicultural Singapore, where migration is woven into daily life, this book sparks conversations that matter.
Reading Level Guide
The verse format helps, but the cultural context and emotions may be too advanced. Build up with simpler picture books first.
The sweet spot. The short poems are manageable for A2 readers, while the depth challenges B1 readers to think critically.
A quick, moving read at B2. Consider Refugee by Alan Gratz for a more complex immigration narrative.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.